My dad and I are so much alike; we don't give in. That's why our arguments last so long. I must raise my hat to Dad for he has stayed in the picture through this all. Not many men can handle this situation, and it wasn't easy for him. He is strong of character and says things the way he sees them, no embellishments. He can also be very pleasant and funny. He's creative too; it's from him I most likely inherited my fondness of performing. In fact, there are a lot of artists on his side of the family. Although I am joined from the hip with Hum, I am still Daddy's little girl.
A father makes much difference in a child's life. He's a pillar of strength, support, and discipline. A good father realises that his kids are human and that making mistakes is part of growing up. He shows his children that everything has its value. He teaches his children to appreciate things. He accepts that his kids aren't exactly like him. He leads by example and most importantly a good father also illustrates the importance of affection by professing his love for their mother in front of them. And he won't fight with her in their presence. In all, he adheres to the values he'd like his children to follow.
The winter of 1995 was the winter of discontent for my parents. It was the winter that produced this freezing northern breeze storming down on them freezing all their emotions.
Both of my parents supported me when I was modeling. They drove me everywhere I needed to go, sent me money when I lived abroad and even handled legal jargon and problems for me.
I cannot take all the credit for all that I have achieved after I became stuck to a chair. Much credit goes to my mother. I would not have been able to make it so far if she weren't the kind of a person, woman and a mother that she was. She is a real lioness with eternal power. She pulls through in every situation.
My mother is motherly yet very stylish. Friends always say how well my mum dresses. Outsiders can't understand the situation she was in. It can in many ways be compared to a state of war. Evidently, the preservation of one's outward appearance is important, mentally and also emotionally. It helps when dealing with a terrible situation. Neglecting your personal appearance is a way of letting go; it is the first step of surrender and giving up hope. The outside reflects what's on the inside.
Mum has always put her children first. Her work was no exception. She has and still does get along well with all our friends, my brother's and mine. It is a big plus since she was and still is often included in visits from my buddies.
Mum is just incredible. I remember once overhearing a phone conversation she was having. They talked and talked like old friends. When she finished, I asked her curiously who was that on the phone. It turned out to be a sales person that was calling to sell her a magazine subscription. And she says that she was shy when she was young! You would not believe this if you saw her now. Nowadays she's always talking.
When it comes to talking, Mum and Dad are the complete opposites. Mum and I always say that if dad loses his ability to speak, it will take weeks before anyone would notice it.
My mum and I have always had a close relationship. I always told my mother everything. We never had secrets from each other. Even when I was seventeen, I sometimes slept beside my mum. She was constantly by my side on that horrible night I had the stroke.
We have developed a frighteningly close bond through the years. She refers to us as the Siamese twins. When I still lived with my parents, sometimes my mum, and I would both unknowingly get dressed in the same colours.
My mother doesn't have to spell out words as much as the others when I am trying to tell her something. She can often guess from one word or even the first letter what I mean. Usually, only a look is enough. We laugh long and hard about everything under the sun.
I cannot believe my ears when I hear people complain about all the sacrifices it takes to be a parent. SACRIFICES!??? ..... If there is one thing I learned from my parents it is that what is required to be a parent is not a sacrifice; It is a duty. I do not mean a duty of laws or rules, but a duty of nature, humanity. It is one of the main things about living, just after breathing, drinking, eating, etc. I firmly believe this.
I am sure that there are those who would say that I speak like this because I do not have any child of my own.
Well, I pity those people because they obviously do not have any idea of how blessed they are to be able to have a child. Life is precious and having the opportunity to be part of any other life that is not just your own is the only gift in life that will last forever. It is like a gift that keeps on giving and giving, forever and ever and ever.
Forbes "SISU" article